While it only takes around 60–90 minutes for Holtman's Donuts' pastry experts to turn fresh ingredients into a decadent donut, you'd have to go back more than 50 years to find the real origin of that treat. Charles Holtman opened his shop in 1960, and the bakery is now owned by Charles' daughter Toni and her husband Chuck. Their son Danny, his fiancee, and their daughters also work at Holtman's Donuts, making the bakery a true family operation.

Old-fashioned recipes still rule in the kitchens at Holtman's three locations. Here, the team hand-crafts yeast-raised and cake donuts, coating them in sweet glazes and icings—which also happen to be made from scratch. The donut makers then add on toppings including sprinkles, pecans, and bacon bits before serving them to guests by the box or wheelbarrow.